Threat of Sulu terrorists remains even after Jamalul Kiram's death

Although Jamalul Kiram III of the so-called Sulu Sultanate died Sunday, the threat of Sulu terrorists against Malaysia remained, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Based on police intelligence network, there were seven people tussling to head the terrorist group which was said to have inherited the 'Sulu sultanate', he said.

Even though the names of the seven could not be revealed, the police and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) had been instructed to be prepared against any eventuality, he added.

"Upon Jamalul's death, we cannot assume that the intrusion of Kiram terrorists has thereby, ended, as there are seven individuals who feel they are eligible to take over the 'Sulu Sultanate'.

"The police and ATM are monitoring closely, as what happened in February was not Jamalul Kiram's personal action and we suspect there were hidden hands which caused the terrorists to enter our country through Lahad Datu, Sabah," he said when met by reporters at Parliament lobby on Monday.